Are you looking to build an awesome $1000 gaming PC build in 2023? If so, we’ve got just the guide for you! In this piece we’ll be running through the very best components to buy for a great, 1080p gaming PC build. This build guide will cover off all the components required, the rationale behind each part choice and a full rundown on the performance you can expect from a system like this.
CPU: Intel Core i5 12400F
Key Specs:
Cores: 8
Threads: 16
Clock Speed: Up to 4.4GHz
Max Turbo Power: 117W
Release Date: January 2022
The Intel Core i5 12400F is still one of the best value processors on the market right now. While an Intel 13th Gen refresh of this chip has just been released, the 12400F is unlikely to be beaten on price. With 6 of Intel’s more powerful performance cores, and 12 threads for top-tier multi tasking, you can’t go too far wrong.
Benchmark Test | Score |
---|---|
Cinebench R23 Multi core | 12545 |
Cinebench R23 Single core | 1628 |
3D Mark Timespy Extreme Overall | 6190 |
3D Mark Timespy Extreme CPU Score | 4333 |
The Core i5 12400F has more than enough power to run the latest titles at 1080p, when combined with the right graphics card, power up framerates that are sure to satisfy competitive gamers. With a respectable boost clock speed of 4.4GHz and plenty of threads, this CPU can also manage some light productivity tasks, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to complete a bit of work in-between gaming sessions. Whilst the release of 13th-gen has made the Core i5 12400F less appealing than before, it is still a great choice for anyone looking for good value.
GPU: ASUS Radeon RX 6650XT DUAL
Key Specs:
CUDA Cores: 2048
RT Cores: 32
TDP: 175W
Video Memory: 8GB GDDR6
Release Date: May 2022
AMD’s 6650XT series of graphics cards are a great choice for those looking to gain a competitive advantage without breaking the bank. And with the recent release of the first RX 7000 GPU’s, this GPU is only likely to go down in price.
Benchmark Test | Score |
---|---|
Fortnite – 1080p Competitive | 270 FPS |
Apex Legends – 1080p High | 170 FPS |
COD MW2 (2022) – 1080p High | 154 FPS |
COD Warzone 2.0 – 1080p High | 121 FPS |
Overwatch 2 – 1080p Ultra | 235 FPS |
As the table above shows, this graphics card offers smooth 1080p gameplay in a wide range of titles. Testing showed that the 6650 XT can hit framerates that will give you a helping hand when competing in the latest Esports titles. The black and silver accents also mean that this GPU will fit nicely into any build, with the dual-fan design ensuring that performance remains as efficient as possible too.
Motherboard: Gigabyte B660 DS3H AX DDR4
Key Specs:
Form Factor: ATX
Max Memory: 128GB
M.2 Slots: 2 x PCIe 4.0
LAN Type: Gigabit LAN
Release Date: January 2022
Our motherboard of choice for this system is Gigabyte’s B660 DS3H AX. The reason we picked this motherboard in particular is due to it simply being one of the best value for money options right now. The B660 chipset supports both Intel 12th and 13th generation processors, whilst slimming down on other features such as overclocking support and PCIe lanes to reduce costs. Whilst these exclusions will deter high-end builders from picking up a B660 board, it is a worthy sacrifice for those on a budget.
With that being said, this board in particular possesses some great features to improve performance and connectivity. For example, the B660 DS3H AX includes two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, allowing you to install the latest SSDs for storage upgrades that won’t lead to dips in speeds and performance. In addition, the five USB ports and inclusion of a USB-C port on the rear IO gives you plenty of ways to connect all of your peripherals with ease.
RAM: GeIL ORION DDR4 16GB
Key Specs:
Capacity: 16GB
Clock Speed: 3600 MHz
CAS Latency: 18-20-20-40
RGB: Yes
Release Date: June 2022
Moving onto the RAM for this build, and we’ve picked the 16GB version of GeIL’s Orion DDR4 memory. Like the rest of components in this build, the Orion DDR4 kit offers great value for money. The 16GB capacity will be more than enough memory for most budget gamers, and the 3600MHz clock speed will provide this build with the desired output.
But where this kit truly shines -quite literally- is the aesthetics department. The RGB lighting located on the top of each DIMM, as well as an illuminated logo on the side. This lighting will brighten up the internals of this build, providing a much-needed splash of colour. On top of this, the RGB strips can be customised in a number of different software suites, allowing you to choose specific lighting effects to match the rest of your components and peripherals.
SSD: Adata XPG SPECTRIX S20G 1TB
Key Specs:
Capacity: 1TB
Read Speed: 2500MB/s
Write Speed: 1800MB/s
Interface: PCIe Gen3 x4
Release Date: December 2020
In order to provide our build with some additional storage, we’ve decided to include an Adata XPG Spectrix S20G SSD. Having at least one M.2 storage solution is almost an essential aspect of any gaming PC nowadays due to the sheer size of games and the read and write speeds required to run them as intended. Whilst the performance on the Spectrix S20G isn’t ground-breaking, it will able to run all the latest titles with minimal issues, and the 1TB capacity will be plenty of space to store your current games on.
In a similar fashion to the RAM option for this system, this SSD looks awesome thanks to the presence of RGB lighting throughout the design. The top of the brushed silver heatsink features an x-shaped design that is illuminated with the RGB, along with the XPG logo in the corner. SSD’s aren’t particularly known for their aesthetics, making the Spectrix S20G an ideal choice for RGB lovers, or anyone looking to improve the overall look of their PC.
PSU: Corsair CX650F RGB
Key Specs:
Wattage: 650W
Efficiency: 80+ Bronze
Modular: Fully
Fan Size: 120mm
Release Date: September 2020
To power our system, we have picked up the Corsair CX650F RGB. This PSU provides 650 Watts of power to our components, which aligns with the amount recommended for our 6650 XT graphics card. Though a lot of people would be tempted to buy a PSU above the recommended amount to cater for future upgrades, sticking to the 650W will save money for this specific build.
This power supply has a 80+ Bronze efficiency rating, which means it will be able to run the components in this system with a reduced risk of overheating. Also, the CX650F RGB is fully modular, allowing you to pick where each cable gets connected, contributing to less confusing and messy cable management. Whilst aesthetics are not a priority for power supplies, the CX650F does feature an RGB fan, which is always a nice touch.
Case: DeepCool CK560
Key Specs:
Form Factor: Mid-Tower
Fan Support: 6 x 120mm
Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, micro-ATX, mini-ITX
Release Date: January 2022
And finally, to protect all of our components and place them into one neat package, we have the DeepCool CK560. With such a vast range of budget cases on the market, this is where builders have the most freedom to express themselves, but we think that this case is one of the best options right now for a blend of both style and substance. The front panel perfectly epitomises this statement as the cross-shaped holes create a unique look when paired with the included RGB fans, and provides plenty of ventilation to optimise airflow.
In terms of compatibility, the CK560 supports up to six 120mm fans and can fit multiple motherboard form-factors, making it an extremely versatile option for those that like to regularly switch up their components. There are plenty of connectivity options too, with the front IO featuring two USB ports, a USB-C port, and a audio jack. And for added convenience, the IO includes a dedicated LED button that can be used to adjust RGB lighting effects with ease.